Method and apparatus for automatic second screen engagement

Abstract

A method includes displaying content on a television, detecting a personal display device in proximity of the television, detecting a selection of content displayed on the television, detecting an instruction associated with the selection, displaying, based on the instruction, information associated with the selection on the personal display device and displaying on the television an alert indicating that the information associated with the selection is on the personal display device.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method, comprising:
 delivering to a client device content for display on a television; 
 detecting a selection of content displayed on the television; 
 analyzing the selection for suitability for presentation of associated content on either a personal display device or the television; and 
 delivering, based upon the analyzing, the associated content to either the personal display device or the client device for display on the television. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1  further comprising supplying to the client device an alert for display on the television, wherein the alert indicates that the associated content is displayed on the personal display device. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1  further comprising detecting with the client device when the personal display device is in proximity to the client device. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1  further comprising detecting an instruction associated with the selection. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1  wherein delivering includes delivering the content from a server to the internet to the client device. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1  wherein the content is selected from visual content, audio content and software applications. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 1  wherein the content is an electronic programming guide.